Shane Victorino Celebrates Nicetown Boys And Girls Club Anniversary

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Former Phillies Center-fielder Shane Victorino was in town on Friday to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Nicetown Boys and Girls Club that now bears his name.

Shane Victorino and his wife Melissa had a grand reception from about three dozen kids at the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys and Girls Club Friday evening.

“THANK YOU!!!”

The children played games, ate Cheesesteaks and drank smoothies in the 106-year-old state of the art club that was renovated a year ago thanks in part to a nearly $1 million donation from the Shane Victorino Foundation.

The 16,000 square foot facility offers a safe haven for kids age 6 to 19 that live in the Nicetown area. Shane says the club and Philadelphia holds a special place in his heart.

“To have this boys and girls club here and have it names after me, is what it’s all about,” says Victorino.

And to have a safe place like this for kids to get off the street is very important to me.”

And the kids loved speaking to a superstar athlete.

“I think it was pretty cool,” says one little boy. “I asked how many homeruns he hit.”

Reporter: And what did you find out?

Boy: “He hit 91 home runs.”

Reporter: Was that impressive.

Boy: Yes.

Last month Victorino signed a three-year, $39 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. He spent eight years with the Phillies.